Pisgah Energy Installs Rooftop Solar for New MHO Affordable Housing Communities
Asheville, NC-based non-profit community development corporation partners with Pisgah Energy to install 5 rooftop solar PV systems for 2 new affordable housing communities. These solar arrays will generate over 300,000kWh of renewable energy, offsetting the equivalent of 31 homes’ annual energy usage.
Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO), a non-profit community developer, understands the value of creating a more affordable and sustainable future for families in the greater Asheville area. That’s why both of its newest housing communities, Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas, sport solar arrays that will contribute to cleaner air and lower energy costs. With these additions, the developer can now boast renewable energy at six of its multifamily affordable housing communities, starting with the Glen Rock Depot in 2011.
The funding for recent solar investments originated, in part, from a planned philanthropic gift. In 2020, the now-late Erna Earle made a major contribution supporting solar energy infrastructure at MHO communities in memory of her late husband and MHO founding volunteer, Norman W. Earle. MHO gratefully acknowledges the Earles’ generosity and their legacy of community service and care for the environment.
At Mountain Housing Opportunities, affordability and sustainability go hand in hand. Partnering with Pisgah Energy to bring solar power to Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas reflects our ongoing commitment to green building practices and to the health of the environment our residents live in. These arrays will lower the cost to operate these properties and help maintain their affordability while reducing our community’s carbon footprint. It is a direct investment in both our planet and our people.
—Geoffrey Barton, Mountain Housing Opportunities President & CEO
Pisgah Energy worked closely with Mountain Housing Opportunities to design, develop and install rooftop solar arrays for Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas. These 5 systems, totaling 212kWdc and harnessing the power of 261 SEG 485W panels, 165 SEG 595W panels and 9 SolarEdge inverters, will serve as on-site electrical generation and produce over 300,000kWh of renewable energy annually. Every year in operation, these solar arrays will offset approximately 190 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The impact of these solar electric systems is equivalent to removing the air pollution produced by over 483,503 miles of driving an average gas-powered car or recycling instead of landfilling 67 tons of waste or the annual energy usage of 31 homes.
We had the privilege of working with MHO on their solar installation at Maple Crest Apartments, and we’re thrilled they invited us back to design and build the arrays for Star Point Apartments and Lakeshore Villas. It’s an honor to support the incredible work MHO is doing in our community.
—Evan Becka, Pisgah Energy President & Senior Project Developer
MHO embraces many green building practices, and these new solar installations serve as a visible reminder of a commitment to reducing environmental impact while serving their primary mission – to build and improve homes, neighborhoods, communities and lives, and build hope and dignity in the people they serve.
About
Pisgah Energy provides comprehensive solar and energy storage design, development and construction services for commercial, municipal, and institutional clients across the Southeast. Based in Asheville NC, its mission is to lead the transition of commercial, municipal, and institutional clients from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The Pisgah Energy team has a combined 80+ years of experience in the renewable energy industry and a proven track record of developing innovative solar and energy storage projects that are uniquely tailored to meet the needs of each individual client.
Founded in 1988 by volunteers, Mountain Housing Opportunities is the regional nonprofit leader in developing and preserving safe, stable, and affordable housing in Buncombe County and beyond. MHO serves more than 2,000 households each year in western North Carolina through affordable rental homes, essential home repair, the construction and sale of new affordable homes, and down payment assistance. MHO’s mission is to build and improve homes, neighborhoods, communities, and lives, and build hope and dignity in the people we serve. MHO operates as a Community Housing Development Organization and Community Development Financial Institution. Learn more at mtnhousing.org.
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